The liver is the primary organ responsible for cleansing the body of pollutants and toxins and works tirelessly to detoxify, inactivate and excrete toxic substances, drugs, hormones as well as dead and damaged cells from the body.
But an overload of toxins can leave the liver overworked and exhausted, allowing toxic and waste material to enter the blood and body, causing symptoms such as hormone imbalances, fatigue and weakens the immune system. Physical symptoms such as allergies, indigestion, bloating, eye problems (spots, red or watery eyes), headaches, hot flushes, insomnia, irritability, PMS, muscular pain, head pain and neck tension can occur. Other signs that the liver is overwhelmed include a yellow-coated tongue, bitter taste in the mouth and a slowed digestion of fats in food.
How the Liver Works
The liver plays an important role in metabolism and is involved in fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism and vitamin and mineral storage. Additionally, it is a major blood reservoir, filtering over 1.4 liter of blood per minute and is composed of cells that are designed to cleanse. Kuppfer cells are able to destroy almost 99% of harmful bacteria from portal venous blood as it passes through the liver. The liver also manufactures and secretes almost a liter of bile per day. Bile is necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble material from the intestines, including many vitamins, and its secretion helps eliminate many toxic substances. For this reason the digestion of fats is often hindered when the liver is sluggish.
How to Cleanse the Liver
Many factors determine whether the liver performs its critical functions well. Too much pressure on the liver from overeating, too much rich or poor-quality food, environmental stresses, overwork or emotional stress can cause liver overload, leading to a decreased ability to clear toxins and hormones and manufacture bile. See this article for more on foods that detox the liver. Daily ways to keep the liver in prime shape include:
- Start your morning with fresh lemon juice in water; this helps flush and decongest the liver and the kidneys.
- Chlorophyll drinks (available at health food shops) can be used regularly to aid in liver cleansing. Alternatively foods such as parsley are high in chlorophyll.
- High quality protein foods are necessary to restore and sustain the liver. Free-range eggs, fish, raw nuts and seeds and whole grains are beneficial.
- Nutritional antioxidants such as vitamin E, zinc and selenium are essential for protecting the liver from free radical damage.
- Get plenty of fresh air, exercise, adequate rest, natural foods and plenty of water daily for liver restoration.
- Eat foods that help to detox the liver and body. Ginger increases circulation and excretion of toxin, apples increase lymphatic action and beets, grapes, artichokes and grapefruit stimulate the liver and promote its function.
Care for your liver for energy, detoxification and prevention of illness and disease.
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